Electronics made easy

Step 4: Transistors

A transistor is like a mini amp. It takes weak signals (like those that represent sound) and make them stronger.

There are three leads on a transistor, labeled "B," "E," and "C." These stand for "Base," "Emitter," and "Collector." 

If there is no current flowing to the base, the transistor won't let the emitter and collector receive any current.

There are several types of transistors, two of them are NPN and PNP. "N" stands for negative, and "P" stands for positive. NPN means that the outer two leads are negative and the inner lead is positive. PNP means the exact opposite.

Comments

[David97]

Putting this link on might be usefull. http://hamradio.lakki.iki.fi/new/Datasheets/transistor_pinouts/

[techturtle2]

What about MOS FETs?

[troseph]

I've been tinkering with "beginner" electronics for a year and haven't touched a MOSFET. I'm familiar with what they are but have never needed one in small projects.

[F430gx]

MOSFET is an acronym for "Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor". MOSFET is the most used transistor, but is not realy relevant to talk about a special type of transistor in a basic guide, is like introducing subwoofers and tweeters with speakers.

[techturtle2]

It is also a VERY good voltage regulators. (7805, 7812, 7803 ect.) I built a divice that uses a 7805 on a 9v and a female USB to charge my iPhone!